Journalism in the Wider World

Course Content:

A key part of a journalist's role is to inform readers what is going on in the world. To do
this well, journalists have to understand how the world works and why. This module aims
to build on existing understanding to provide students with the necessary political,
economic, historical social and cultural context to underpin their development as
journalists.

Areas for exploration and discussion will include Britain's role in the world; the UK's
relationship with Europe, the US and the developing world; British institutions and their
role and influence (including the monarchy, parliament, the judiciary, Whitehall, religious
bodies, universities, local government, banks and finance houses) and the history and
emergence of competing ideologies such as capitalism, socialism and liberalism.

The module will explore emerging social and cultural trends and the way these are
covered in the media. Underpinning the module will be the key questions of "Where
does power lie?" "Who has control?" "Who is responsible?" "Who really runs things?"

Autumn Semester:
Britain's place in the world and its idea of itself. Britain in a post-Cold War world. The
shift from nation-states to global alliances and new emerging superpowers
The emergence of a parliamentary democracy and the role of a free press in the UK
Centralisation of political power at Westminster. The Royal family: tourist attraction,
soap opera, or power behind the scenes? The invisible power of Prince Charles.
The history, organisation and role of the EU. Britain?s role and attitude to the EU.
How the Church of England fits into the political framework.
The widening gulf between rich and poor in income and opportunity. Generation Y and
the backlash against the baby-boomers
The emergence of a multicultural society; the hot-button of immigration; claim and
counterclaim in the media. The rise of Islamophobia and xenophobia, the rise of UKIP.
The stance of the main political parties on immigration.
The NHS, its history and its role.
The schools and universities revolution. Academies: privatisation or liberation? The
changing role of the universities and their importance in social, economic and cultural
life.

Spring Semester:
The environmental debate played out in the media. Climate change and overseas aid:
Britain?s global relationships.
The history and role of the welfare state.
Housing. Why there is a shortage of housing, why prices are so high and the history of
public v private renting.
London: The north/south divide and the impact of geographic inequality.
How local councils work.
The social contract and the ?big society?. Models of capitalism and interventionism.
Political decisions on limits on state power and ownership.
The influence and importance of the City and financial services to the UK economy. The
role of the banks and the Treasury and the Bank of England
Britain?s retreat from a manufacturing economy and its reliance on financial services
Judges and the courts. Independent judiciary and its relationship to parliament. The role
of judges, the European Court of Justice, and the Human Rights Act.

Teaching: Lectures and seminars

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? MCQ short test
? Take home exam
STUDY OPTION 2:
? portfolio of short answer timed tests (40%)
? Portfolio of take home exams (60%).
STUDY OPTION 3:
? portfolio of short answer timed tests (40%)
? Portfolio of take home exams (60%).

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer